I wanted to take the opportunity to speak in support of GISD’s bond proposal. As a parent of five children in the Gilmer school system, I feel that this is a necessary action to take to continue the great tradition of excellence that our community has come to know and expect.

Not only are our children the hope of our future, but they are our community’s treasure of the present. We should want our children to have facilities that are safe, clean, and conducive to learning. Don’t we want the best for our children?

This proposed bond is in the best interest of our children. It is hard to learn and excel when you are dodging a leaky roof, when classrooms and science labs are not large enough to accommodate learning, when restroom facilities are not adequate for the number of students enrolled, and when the ability to offer dual credit courses to our students through local community colleges is impeded by facility limitations.

Those who do not have children or grandchildren in the school system may not feel that they have a stake in this proposal, but that could not be further from the truth.

Research shows that successful schools promote successful communities. Better facilities that enhance the learning of our children attract those who are seeking excellence for their children.

Attracting these families benefits our businesses, churches, service organizations, and the reputation that identifies who we are as a community. Anytime we can make improvements to our school district, whether through academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities, or by improving our facilities, it is our obligation to our children and to the future of our community to support these improvements wholeheartedly.

By REBEL JACKSON

I too am writing in regards to the upcoming bond election. For those of you who know me, I don’t think it comes as any surprise that I am in favor of the construction of new facilities. I travel a lot with my job, and therefore have an opportunity to see many different places. With each new town that I visit, I always make it a point to go and look at their schools and facilities.

In my opinion, that in and of itself speaks volumes about a community. As a lifelong resident of Gilmer, I feel strongly that we are a town with a great amount of pride, a town that is very supportive of our students, teachers and programs and a town that genuinely cares for one another. What better way to illustrate that than passing this bond.

I am certain that the decision to build a new school in 1951 did not come without debate, and it isn’t now. But, I am certain that the right decision was made then, and hope we will do the same. I certainly understand and appreciate the concerns that others may have in regards to the spending, but my question is if not now then when. Things certainly are not getting any cheaper, and our problems are not going away.

This is our town, our kids, and our opportunity to create an environment that will have a positive impact on many lives for many years to come. I am very appreciative of the academic and athletic facilities that were provided to me and members of my family through the years, and hope years from now others will be appreciative of the facilities that we have provided for them.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Mirror will, of course, print the viewpoints of those on the other side of this issue. No such viewpoint has been submitted to date. Letters endorsing or opposing candidates, parties or issues during election campaigns are usually not published. That’s why The Mirror is printing these as opinion editorials rather than as letters to the editor. This exception will not be made for next year’s election.

The way I see it is the School has not been forward on letting the public know how much money is currently owed. $27 million more or less that has to be paid. Now they want $36 million more plus fees and interest. so that is 63 million plus!

I never knew they owed so much to begin with. Why because they did not let the public know !!

That is shady and hiding the Facts. You guys go vote it in and Saddle up for 30 years of that debt plus God only knows how much more they will "NEED". Can you say Bankrupt ?? Not Realistic the county is broke Why ? Not enough tax dollars !!

Th county, as well as the city info structure is very shakie to say the least. Seems like every time some new opens in this town, three to six months later it CLOSES UP.

There has not been NO NEW INDUSTRIES located in how many years. Yes you got rob roy, which can not keep hardly any one employed, as they are always trying to hirer some one. This should tell you what kind of sweat shop they run.

Then you have the run away appraisal district.. That vote them selves raise, while you own county employees go with out! The roads are patched half ass, and are getting worse every day. Illegals are taking over.

But it is like every thing that goes on in Gilmer and the county. They both spend money on foolish things instead of building infrastructure, attracting jobs, helping and promoting the small business owner in this town.

But they choose to spend 2 million on football..

I will be voting NO for the new school. This town and it cronies need to learn.. A new school by it self does not make it a want to be place to live!